Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA) has named transportation champion Chris Dempsey as its next Director, effective February 6, 2017. T4MA is a diverse coalition of organizations working together to ensure a reliable transportation system that offers affordable choices, creates better access to jobs and opportunity, and gets us all where we’re going faster. The coalition advocates for transportation funds to be spent fairly and responsibly, for transportation decisions that are transparent and accountable, and to ensure that our transportation network has sufficient resources to meet tomorrow’s needs throughout the Commonwealth. The coalition is supported in part by the Barr Foundation, one of the largest private foundations in New England.

Dempsey was previously Massachusetts Assistant Secretary of Transportation, where he co-founded and led the MBTA’s Open Data Program. Under that initiative, the MBTA was the first transit agency on the East Coast to share its real-time data with third-party software developers that have built a variety of applications and websites to inform riders when their bus and train will arrive. Most recently, Dempsey served as Vice President at Masabi, a mobile-ticketing software provider that works with transit agencies worldwide. Dempsey is the former Co-Chair of the grassroots advocacy group No Boston Olympics. He was named Bostonian of the Year in 2015 by the Boston Globe Magazine for his volunteer efforts in that role.

The Director reports to an Executive Committee chaired by Nancy Goodman, Vice President for Policy at the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “We are thrilled to have Chris on board to lead our coalition,” said Goodman. “We are at a turning point when it comes to transportation policy. People are so frustrated being stuck in traffic or transit delays and missing important moments in life. Transportation for Massachusetts fights for a bolder transportation vision that will help commuters, businesses, and all of us trying to get from point A to B. Chris’s experience working in government and the private sector, and leading a successful grassroots campaign, shows he has what it takes to lead our coalition and our Commonwealth forward.”

“Transportation is my lifelong passion,” said Dempsey. “I could see the Green Line from my bedroom window growing up, and I’ve been captivated by transportation - and its ability to provide access and create economic opportunity - ever since. That access and economic opportunity is threatened by Massachusetts’ aging and decaying road and transit system. But we can change that by working with federal and state elected officials, advocates, and local civic and business leaders. Together, we can reverse the decline and ensure that the Commonwealth enjoys a safe, convenient, and modern transportation system that fuels economic growth and helps eliminate the delays and frustrations all our residents feel,” said Dempsey.

Transportation for Massachusetts was formed in 2010 and has been a clear and consistent voice for improving transportation across the state. Former Natick Selectman Josh Ostroff has served as Interim Director since the departure of Director Kristina Egan in July.

“As Chris takes the helm, we want to thank our Interim Director, Josh Ostroff, for his strong leadership during this transition,” added Goodman. “We look forward to him continuing to serve as T4MA’s Director of Partnerships.”

Among Transportation for Massachusetts’s priorities in 2017 will be increased local transportation funding options, encouraging innovative transportation solutions that promote clean energy and access to opportunity, and advocating better regional transportation choices all across Massachusetts.